The Making of Mount Peepmore

Different parts of the country have different signs of spring. Here in Washington, D.C., the Washington Post sponsors a “Peep Diorama Contest,” now in its fifth year. When the seasonal marshmallow bunnies and chicks hit store shelves, hundreds of competitors turn the sugary treats into objects of art.

Last month, inspired by a love for our national parks and the desire to share it with a larger audience, NPCA staff stayed late to construct an entry for the contest. Volunteers skilled (or not so skilled) in the arts of sculpture, drawing, sewing, and painting labored to create a Mount Peepmore National Memorial–a Peep-themed replica of one of America’s iconic national parks.

These photos follow the creation of Mount Peepmore, from its humble beginnings as a pile of Peeps and fabric to a mighty diorama.

Mount Peepmore started as a sketch passed around by NPCA staff. The idea was to have the presidential faces on Mount Rushmore changed into Peep faces, with groups of Peep tourists enjoying themselves at the base.

Construction began on the evening of February 16. Here, I work on Peep Abraham Lincoln and Peep Teddy Roosevelt using photos of the actual National Monument.

NPCA’s resident “peepstresses” Sara Conner (left) and Liz Ackley (right) work with Julia Eiferman on costumes for the Peep tourists.

Here are some of their beautiful creations.

Once the clay heads were formed, they were stuck onto a mountain created by NPCA staffer Caitlin Downey. Christina Kamrath painted a beautiful watercolor background, and Jenn Errick, Bev Stanton, and Megan Cantrell worked on signage and landscapes.

The final product! Staff submitted the photo last week to the Washington Post and eagerly await the results.